What is a plug-in hybrid? PHEVs have both an electric motor and a combustion engine. Find out what a PHEV is and how they work.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are increasing in popularity, with most major automotive manufacturers having PHEV models in their vehicle lineups. PHEVs are vehicles that use gasoline but also have an electric range. Therefore, PHEVs are a compromise between a regular gas-powered vehicle and an electric vehicle (EV). Many consumers who want to explore switching to an EV will consider trying a PHEV first. Plug-in hybrids are also usually slightly cheaper than EVs. If you are new to electric vehicles, you may be wondering what a plug-in hybrid is and how they work? This article will explain what a PHEV is and everything you need to know before considering purchasing or leasing one.
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Plug-in hybrids have an electric battery and a combustion engine. The vehicle is powered by gasoline and an electric motor. PHEVs usually have a limited electric range of around 30-60 kilometres, depending on the make and model. This electric range is excellent for commuting, running errands, and driving short distances. However, a PHEV doesn’t have as extensive a range as an all-electric vehicle.
Your PHEV will have a fuel tank at the rear and a charge port at the front of the vehicle. You can charge your PHEV’s electric range using a regular wall outlet or an EV charging station. PHEVs can be charged through a Level 1 120-volt wall socket or a Level 2 240-volt EV charger. Most provinces offer rebates for home electric charging stations.
Learn more about how to charge your PHEV and charge times here.
The main difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is the size of the electric battery pack and how the vehicle uses the electric motor. A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion gasoline engine and at least one electric motor. The hybrid vehicle’s electric battery is powered through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. Therefore, hybrid vehicles don’t need to be plugged in to charge the electric battery.
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In comparison, a plug-in hybrid has both an electric battery pack and an internal combustion engine, but its electric component is not powered through regenerative braking. Instead, a plug-in hybrid electric battery is charged by plugging it into a wall socket or a Level 2 charging station. A plug-in hybrid will use its electric range first and then switch to its gasoline engine.
The main difference between a BEV (battery electric vehicle) and a PHEV is that a BEV is powered solely by an electric motor and battery pack. In contrast, a PHEV is powered by an electric motor and a gasoline engine. So PHEVs can be powered by fuel if needed, and a BEV can only be powered by charging through a wall socket or Level 2 charger.
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PHEVs are a great middle-ground between gasoline-powered vehicles and making the jump to going fully electric. The Canadian government and the automotive industry are gearing up for the switch to going fully electric. However, that will take time and improvements in EV infrastructure. Therefore, many consumers choose to go with a PHEV first. Driving a PHEV allows you to get used to charging a vehicle and driving on an electric range while still having the flexibility of using gas when needed.
Plug-in hybrids are also a cheaper option than electric vehicles. If you consider trying out a more eco-friendly and economical alternative to gas-powered cars, then a plug-in hybrid is an excellent choice. There are also lots of options for plug-in hybrid sedans and SUV models.
One of the many reasons consumers choose to purchase or lease a PHEV is the available provincial and federal rebate and incentive programs. The federal government has a rebate of up to $2,500 for leasing or purchasing eligible new plug-in hybrid vehicles. And depending on where you live, your province may have additional rebates that you can stack with the federal rebates.
Provincial rebate amounts vary by province. Check out this article on EV incentives across Canada to learn more about provincial and federal EV incentive programs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
What Are the Benefits of a PHEV?
The benefits of owning a PHEV are spending less on gas and the available government monetary incentives. Even though PHEVs have a short electric range (30-60km), those fuel cost savings will add up over time. One of the other significant benefits of purchasing or leasing a PHEV is the provincial and federal rebate programs, which help offset the higher purchase costs.
Is a PHEV Better Than a Hybrid?
PHEVs and hybrids are both more eco-friendly choices than regular gas-powered vehicles. However, a PHEV could be seen as a better choice because of its electric range that you can choose to use before your gas range. In comparison, a hybrid will use your electric battery and combustion engine interchangeably.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Plug-In Hybrid?
The most significant disadvantage of owning a plug-in hybrid is the limited electric range. Unlike all-electric vehicles with electric ranges of 250-550kms, plug-in hybrids have a range of around 30-60km. Therefore, plug-in hybrids still require gasoline. However, sometimes a plug-in hybrid is a great entry choice before making the switch to all-electric.
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